Amsterdam, Holland Travel Guide - Must-See Attractions

A handful of tour boat companies ferry visitors around the city

Discovering Amsterdam: red light district

Introduction De Wallen. Rossebuurt. The centre of legalized prostitution. Call it whatever you like, the Red Light District is a landmark location in Amsterdam and ... [click to read more]

Read more

Visiting Windmills while in Amsterdam

The Netherlands is synonymous for its windmills, clogs, tulips, canals, cheese markets… practically everything that you would expect to find in a charming and utterly picturesque country. But, whatever image you associate with the lowlands, the first thing likely to come to mind is the windmill (molen)... [click to read more]

Amsterdam canal cruises

​Reating visiting royals and other VIP's to a cruise on our canals became a tradition that lives on till today. From Winston Crurchill to the Beatles and Nelson Mandela, almost all our famous ... [click to read more]

Read more

The Tourist bus in Amsterdam

The Touristbus tours in American school bus through Amsterdam are a simple and attractive way of getting general impression of The Old City centre. The guided tours depart ... [click to read more]

A weekend in Amsterdam

Discovering Amsterdam

A Weekend in Amsterdam

Wondering if you can pack in the museums, the canals, the cheese, the shopping, the smoking and the entertainment that makes up the Amsterdam... [click to read more]

Wondering if you can pack in the museums, the canals, the cheese, the shopping, the smoking and the entertainment that makes up the Amsterdam dream into two short days? The answer is yes! The compact city center, excellent public transport, pedestrian paths, accessible routes and clearly marked cycle lanes make Amsterdam the perfect city to explore over a weekend! Here are some suggestions on making this seemingly impossible mission a reality!

Setting out:

Start at Central Station, the beautiful 19th century gateway into the city. Arm yourself with a travel card that lets you use most public transport for free for 24, 48 or 72 hours. If you’re planning to visit museums and other attractions, the Amsterdam City card might be a wise investment, with free entry at many attractions and discounts at many others. Add to this a city map, and you’re all set to begin your fun weekend!

Day 1: Canals and Entertainment

The West Canal Belt:A peek at the map of Amsterdam shows you three main concentric semicircles that make up the canal belt of Amsterdam: The Herengracht, Keizersgracht. and Prinsengracht. The western section of the canal belt, a short walk from the station, is called the Jordaan. Enjoy a leisurely walk or a boat ride through the canals here, and pose for pictures on the bridges, admire the architecture, and stop at a quaint café or brown bar for a drink and a snack. Stop by at the Anne Frank House for a visit; be prepared for a queue in good weather and bad.

Anna Frank' s house

Dam Square:As you criss-cross though the streets, you find yourself back in the centre of the city, at the historic Dam Square. The imposing Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk await your visit, unless you’re busy shaking hands with Hollywood royalty and the nearby Madame Tussauds exhibit! The imposing façade of the oldest departmental store of the Netherlands, the famous Bijenkorf, is sure to catch your eye, and lighten your wallet with its range of designer labels. The shopping street Kalverstraat beckons you next with its festive cheer, souvenir and brand stores, and a branch of the first ever “loo” chain, 2theLoo!

The Nine Streets:Head back westwards and you’re by the waters of the West Canal Belt once more, and if you’re looking for handmade trinkets and souvenirs, or brands you’ve never heard of, look no further than the Nine Streets (de Negen Straatjes). Vintage and designer goods await you, as do a host of restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. Don’t forget your camera as you walk about (the canal belt is a conserved UNESCO World Heritage Site and there is no public transport along the canals).

Leidseplein:When the calm and serenity of the canals gives way to the bustle of retail again, you know you’ve reached Leidsestraat! Turn onto it and dodge the trams that run right through the narrow lane to make your way to the theatre, club and entertainment hub of Amsterdam: Leidseplein. Stop for a drink and stay till the wee hours if you are so inclined! The Stadsschouwburg (city theatre), comedy clubs, and open air pubs abound in the area, and narrow lanes host some very affordable restaurants offering cuisines from all around the world. You could always dig into some patat (fries/chips) with the cheesy and artery-clogging frietsaus to enhance your Dutch experience.

The Red Light District:Get back to Dam Square and head east this time, and you’ll find yourself back among canals, but with a world of difference. This is the historical Old Town, and together with Amsterdam’s oldest buildings, and a beautiful “Chinatown”, houses the notorious Red Light District. You’ll have to stow your camera away for this leg of your trip, or risk being doused with water or chased by very angry ladies in very high heels! If you’re looking to walk into and experience an Amsterdam “coffee shop” (where coffee is never at the top of the menu) you’ll find branches of some of Amsterdam’s most famous establishments here.

Day 2: Museums, Parks and Music

Museums GaloreIf you’ve followed our tips for Day 1, you’ll be waking up pretty late! After the evening we’ve had, it’s time to get some culture, and what better way to do it than a visit to a museum (of which Amsterdam has more than any other place). The renovated Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum (yes, they’re all bright and shiny while being home to landmark historical masterpieces) await you in the aptly-named Museumplein. If your museum tastes are different, you’ll find museums for everything under the sun - sex to handbags, tulips to cheese, hemp to shipbuilding – dotting the city! If being indoors in the presence of human genius gets a bit overwhelming, step out for some fresh air into one of Amsterdam’s many beautiful parks: the most famous being Vondelpark very close to the main museums. A boat tour or a cycling tour of the city adds a new dimension to your visit, and they both can be accessed in the area as well.

Rijksmuseum

Dutch cuisineIf you haven’t had a taste of the (loved and hated in equal measure) Dutch cuisine so far, here’s your chance! Get some pannekoeken at the Pancake Bakery with a range of sweet or savory toppings, try the famous stamppot in the winter, slurp some pea soup, or get yourself a taste of bitterballen at Dutch restaurant Haesje Claes. No lunch can be complete without some famous Dutch beer, of course, and your lunch break might just inspire you to check out the Heineken Experience where hundreds of beer fans can be found hanging around.

Getting into the Amsterdam rhythm

Whatever you musical tastes, entertainment is at hand in the evening. The world-renowned Het Concertgebouw (Royal Concert Hall) is a delight to the classically trained ear (even if it is attached to a denim-clad body: there’s no intimidating dress code). If you’re visiting on a weekend when there’s a big concert, you can head to the Heineken Music Hall or Ziggo Dome a bit further south and east, or if you’re in the mood for a night at the club, it’s time to head back to the Leidseplein, home to Amsterdam legends such as Paradiso and the Melkweg, where new and reputed artists make every evening special.

This two-day itinerary will serve you well on most weekends, and weekdays as well (although shops open for shorter hours and many museums are closed on Mondays). Chop and mix as per your taste, and do it all on a bike for a real Dutch experience! Whatever the weather, Amsterdam will make sure you had a weekend break to remember!

Best coffe shops in Amsterdam

Let’s be honest: You’re in Amsterdam for a “good time.” And what better place to begin than the famous coffee shops? [click to read more]

​I’ve zoned out and my fellow “researchers” are waving away the final joint. They can’t handle anymore either. There are only so many joints you can smoke in a day.

I take out my notepad and we try to convey how we feel about this place. After a few long pauses, we give up, order a drink, and begin to roll another joint. I guess you can never smoke too many.

Matador sent me on assignment in Amsterdam (no expenses paid) to find the best coffee shops in the city. This marked my fourth trip to the city and I was only happy to oblige. If you are looking for the best of the best, follow your nose to these places for the highest times in Amsterdam.

DampKring

This coffee shop was made famous by the movie “Ocean’s 12″ and has since seen a steady stream of people trying to pretend they’re Brad Pitt or George Clooney.

The shop has a wide open interior with orange painted walls. The various shades of orange are in different shapes to provide for the ultimate psychedelic experience.

Good drinks and good weed are served here at standard prices. The tables have patterns carved into them. They turn a blind eye to smoking inside-if they don’t see it, it’s not there. A lazy cat sits in the window all day to greet you as you come in.

De Dampkring coffeeshop

A few coffee shops have set up separate areas where people are allowed to smoke inside. A few turn a blind eye to the ban. Most tell you to go outside and offer a herbal tobacco substitute. Ask before you light up.

Trinity

This coffee shop is out of the city center, making it a “locals only” spot. (I found it with the help of a local.) There’s a big bar with a great selection, much, much cheaper than the center. There’s also a few pool tables, a big screen TV, and a separate smoking room.

The staff is really friendly and the locals are intrigued as to how you found this place. The smoking ban hit this place hard so it’s not as packed as it used to be but it’s more relaxed than other places.

De Rokerij

This café is located on the way to Leidsplein and has a mystical ambiance, one long room with dark lights and darker walls with tribal designs for you to stare at all day.

The weed here is good but the place is better known for its atmosphere. You aren’t allowed to smoke tobacco and they offer an herbal substitute. The drinks here are also reasonably priced considering its location.

The Greenhouse

This coffee shop has three locations, the flagship located in the Red Light district. It’s one of the most famous in Amsterdam and the walls are adorned with photos of celebrities to prove it. Their weed constantly wins the Cannabis Cup (try the haze).

Cheap drinks help cushion the blow to your wallet. You can’t smoke inside but there are outdoor tables or you can use the free tobacco substitute they provide. The music is eclectic (I heard Pink Floyd and Snoop Dog in the same sitting) and the décor dark and relaxing. They even have a few coves in the wall to relax in.

The Grasshopper

Located in between Damrak and the Red Light district, this coffeeshop wears multiple hats- it’s a bar, restaurant, and coffee shop. Head downstairs for the coffee shop.

They’ve created a separate smoking area down here so you can light up anything smokable. Tables are lined together in close quarters, making it easy to meet people. TVs run in the background and music plays over the speakers. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the weed is reasonably priced.

The Grasshopper Coffeeshop

Hunter’s Café

Hunter’s has been one of my favorites since I started coming to Amsterdam.

Located right at the beginning of the Red Light district, this place is a little touristy, however, the black decor gives a nice lounge feel and there are ample chairs and couches to relax on.

Staff is really friendly and the prices are somewhat cheaper than other shops in the area. They make great shakes, too. There’s no tobacco allowed here, but you can use the substitute they offer. Just head up Warmastraat and look for the giant peeing dog.

Dolphins

Located right off Leidstraat near Liesplein, this coffee shop follows the ocean theme all the way. The walls are painted blue with various sea life images and “coral” is replicated to give this place a true underwater feeling.

Upstairs has the bar and a few tables. You can’t smoke tobacco up there, but head downstairs where the big comfy couches and TV welcome you with open arms. They also offer free wi-fi.

Barney's Coffeeshop

Tucked away in the famous Albert Cuyp Market, the amazing experience that goes by the name of Katsuis easy to miss. However, it offers an un-missable experience, which is why you should make sure it’s on your itinerary. Sample some space cake, hang out in the games corner, or just sit back and admire the fun interiors. Being off the centre of coffeeshop action, the place is great for hours of undisturbed hanging out.

There are no tulips growing in the Green House, located conveniently between Dam Square and the red light district. What you get at this establishment, however, is a great vibe, a perpetual crowd, and some prize-winning weed. Check out the mosaic patterns and settle into one of the quirky chairs to unwind with a beer and a smoke.

If you’re looking to beat the tourists and hang out with the locals, find your way toTrinity, off the city centre. With pool tables, a television and a dedicated smoking room, this coffee shop offers great ambience at remarkably low prices. Being off most tourist itineraries, it’s not as packed as most similar establishments, and gives you a chance to strike a conversation with a real Amsterdammer!

* * *

Music and Concerts in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a music-lover’s delight, and residents and tourists alike flock to famous venues where music from all eras... [click to read more]

​Amsterdam is a music-lover’s delight, and residents and tourists alike flock to famous venues where music from all eras, genres and styles awaits them. Looking to party till sunrise, sample a completely new rhythm, or bond with a Dutch stranger without knowing a word of Dutch? Music is the answer! Let’s check out some of the top music venues, festivals and clubs.

Performance Venues

Conductors and orchestras all over the world aspire to perform and make recordings at Amsterdam’s famous concert hall: The Concertgebouw. The beautiful white building in the Museum district has a packed schedule and many shows are booked months in advance. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, catch a performance here on your visit. If you’re in the area around noon on a Wednesday, you could step in for a free lunchtime concert as well.

From a church to a hippie hangout to one of Amsterdam’s favorite live music venues, the Paradiso has come a long way. With its larger hall accommodating up to 1500 people, the Paradiso on the Weteringschans is the favorite venue for both local musicians and touring musicians. Having hosted musicians from Al Green to Lady Gaga, the large hall’s calendar is always packed with concerts and festivals. The cozier small hall with a capacity of 250 is home to intimate and often eccentric concerts that you’ll remember for a long time to come!

Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, the modern music hall of Amsterdam, is a sight to behold, a lovely place to spend time in, and lest we forget, a great music venue too! On the banks of the IJ, this large hall has an eclectic agenda with opera, international music, vocals and concerts by contemporary classical ensembles.

Jazz finds a home by the waters of the IJ in Amsterdam, at the spectacular Bimhuis. With near-perfect acoustics and a cozy and intimate setting, it is the favorite venue of renowned jazz players. A range of performances is scheduled all year round, and world famous names rub shoulders with local jazz legends on the calendar. A must-visit for all jazz lovers.

Home to black-walled concert halls, the Milky Way, or the Melkweg was the center of European Hippy-dom in its heyday, and still retains that old world charm. Home to Rock, hip hop and reggae musicians, the Melkweg also houses a cinema hall, a café, and a photo gallery. Do drop into this arts centre on your Amsterdam visit and get an all-round dose of music and culture.

A little away from the city center, the Heineken Music Hall and Ziggo Dome in the ArenA neighborhood provide music venues for large concerts. The Heinken Music Hall can hold up to 5000 people and has weekly pop concerts. The Ziggo Dome is Amsterdam’s largest music venue, where Madonna, Lady Gaga, Pearl Jam and the biggest crowd-pullers regularly host the Amsterdam legs of their world tours. With a capacity of 17,000, Ziggo Dome is abuzz with activity all year round.

Opera aficionados are in for a treat at the Amsterdam Music Theatre on Waterlooplein, which is home to the Netherlands Opera and has opera, ballet and other musical performances year round, with packed houses in the cozy main hall.

Music in the Churches​Many of the churches in Amsterdam host exhibitions and musical performances all year round. With acoustics that modern buildings can only aspire to, the Oude Kerk (Old Church) hosts regular organ concerts. The WesterKerk and St Nicholas Church are also host to music concerts and choral services.

Music and Dance Festivals

From summer to autumn, Amsterdam plays host to a range of music and dance festivals. International DJs, a variety of musical styles, themed costumes and thousands of visitors from across the world make these festivals a must-attend for all tourists visiting in these months. Wear white to the indoors event Sensation, and make sure you go for Netherlands’ oldest outdoors festival Dance Valley. Groove to techno music at Awakenings and go crazy in the Dutch summer with over 50 DJs at the Loveland festival. Free festivals like Sloterpas, Amsterdam Roots Festival, Leidseplein Live, and the Uitmarkt abound, and you’re sure to be in the right place at the right time on any summer weekend in Amsterdam.

Bars, Clubs and Hangouts​For the most authentic Irish pub outside Ireland then be sure to head to Mulligans Irish Music Bar on the Amstel river close to Rembrandtplein. For a student bar experience where students literally run the show, head to the Skek for a drink, a tasty bite, and a musical performance. If you’re looking for a place to smoke and listen to music indoors, you’ll know how rare it is to find a venue: but we have one for you right here in Amsterdam: the Maloe Melo…Dress in black and enjoy the blues, without having to put out that cigarette. Amsterdam music fans swear by the Bitterzoet, a venue with a range of performances and a loyal crowd that often shows up for the place and stays for whatever music is playing that evening. A favorite among underground bands, Bitterzoet hosts Afro-Cuban Jazz one night and a poetry reading the next.

Street Music

Apart from the infinite takes on the Godfather theme and other famous tunes playing along the canals, marketplaces and squares of Amsterdam, there is a vibrant street music scene that comes alive during the canal festival and public holidays, where entire orchestras can be spotted moving around town on boats! On Queen’s Day, during the Gay Pride, and on many weekends, Museumplein, Leidseplein and other squares turn into free concert venues, making sure the party comes to you wherever you are in the city!

* * *

Amsterdam tulip mania

From blooming flower fields to the immensely popular Flower Parade, Amsterdam is a great base to experience the tulip delight... [click to read more]

Every March the fields just outside Amsterdam turn from sandy patches into carpets of lime green sprouts as the first signs of spring emerge. By the time the season is in full swing, the area is swathed in red, pink, purple, orange and yellow blooms, a sight that truly looks like something out of The Wizard of Oz.

Whether you choose to visit the perfectly planted rows of blooming bulbs at the famous Keukenhof Gardens or cruise through the bulb-farmers' fields nearby (or better yet, both!), this guide will help you understand what to expect from this must-do day trip of the spring season.

Where Are the Bulb and Tulip Fields?

While there are a few different bulb-growing regions in the Netherlands, the most well-known area lies between the towns of Haarlem in the province of Noord-Holland (North Holland) and Sassenheim, just north of Leiden, in the province of Zuid-Holland (South Holland). This area includes the small village of Lisse, roughly 30 miles southwest of Amsterdam, home to the Keukenhof Gardens. Depending on which kind of transportation you choose (read below), the trip takes less than an hour from Amsterdam, one way.

Keukenhof Gardens

What Are the Keukenhof Gardens?

Arguably one of the world's most spectacular planned gardens, this park in Lisse, South Holland, showcases seven million blooming bulbs on its grounds and countless other floral displays in many indoor pavilions. Open for only two months a year (2010 dates: March 18 to May 16), the gardens are a huge tourist draw for Amsterdam and the Netherlands. See my photos of the Keukenhof, which say more than any words could about the gardens' stunning, fairytale-like beauty. See the Keukenhof Gardens website for opening hours and more information.

What's the Best Way to See the Tulip and Bulb Area?

How you choose to explore the tulip fields and/or the Keukenhof Gardens depends on how independent you want to be. In my case, I prefer not to be on someone else's schedule (other than that of the public transport system). So I'd catch the bus to the Keukenhof from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Once there, biking through the farmers' fields is easy -- just rent a bike outside the entrance to the gardens for about € 10 (includes a map).Those who prefer private transportation might opt for a guided tour, which usually includes a coach ride and pre-paid entrance fees. But keep in mind that if you also want time to explore the bulb fields area, you'll want to choose the longer tour. Renting a car from Schiphol airport is also feasible.

When Is the Best Time to See the Flowers in Bloom?

While deciding how to get to the bulb region is entirely up to you, what you'll find when you get there is entirely up to Mother Nature. I've seen the tulips peak as late as the end of April during a year when chilly winter temperatures meant late-March visitors saw nothing more than closed blooms and lots of leaves (still a pretty sight). That same year, only one week after I saw the fields ablaze with color, several sunny and warm days meant early-May visitors saw leggy tulips whose blooms had begun to lose their petals. Than again, unusually warm March temperatures may spur earlier peak times. That said, the safest bet for hitting peak tulip time is around mid-April, smack in the middle of the opening dates for the Keukenhof.

Keukenhof Gardens tulip yellow and red

More Timing Tips

If you miss peak tulip time, don't fret -- you'll still see flowers in bloom. Before the tulips come narcissi and hyacinths, whose fragrance is so strong you can smell it from the road as you ride by. Late-season highlights at the Keukenhof include lilies and dahlias, as well as indoor exhibits.

The best time of day to visit the Keukenhof is as soon as it opens or the last few hours before it closes, as the gardens attract huge crowds. These hours are also the best for good photos, as the sunlight isn't as bright, which washes out the spectacular color of the flowers. An easy day trip from Amsterdam, I recommend allowing at least two hours in the Keukenhof Gardens and about two hours for a bike ride or drive through the bulb fields.

Should I Just Visit the Keukenhof or the Farmers' Fields, or Both?

If you manage to hit the area during peak viewing, I say both. It's important to note that most of the the farmers whose fields you'll see aren't growing for the cut-flower industry; they're growing for the bulb industry. Achieving healthy bulbs means chopping off the blooms at just the right time, which is just after the peak of beauty we visitors are seeking (the children in the photo at the left are playing in heaps of freshly beheaded tulips). So as you make your way down to the bulb region, pay attention to whether the fields are still worth exploring.

Just so you’re still up to date with the essentials, here’s a highlight feature for you:

Highlights

Places to Visit: Lisse, Amsterdam

Attractions: Keukenhof, Flower Parade, Tulip Museum, Flower Market

Spectacles: Tulips and a bunch of other flowers

Period: End of March till 1st week of May

Best time to visit: mid-April

Flower Parade Date: 21st April, 2012

* * *

One Last Queen's day

2013 is a landmark year for Amsterdam for a variety of reasons, as the canals, museums, music hall and zoo all celebrate important anniversaries... [click to read more]

Queen's Day celebrations make the end of April a fun and lively time to be in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities. Our Amsterdam expert Rodney Bolt, has tips on where to go to enjoy the day.

Women in Orange

What it all means

Queen’s Day, on April 30, is the Dutch monarch's official birthday (it was the actual birthday of Queen Beatrix's mother, Queen Juliana, but when Bea ascended the date was kept the same).

This year, Beatrix will officially hand over the throne to her son Willem-Alexander. So from next year Queen's Day will become King's Day, and I believe it will move to April 27, which is Willem-Alexander’s actual birthday.

What to do

The day is celebrated with street parties all over the country, for example most cafes and many restaurants will set up on the pavement outside their doors. It is also celebrated with something quintessentially Dutch - a nationwide fleamarket.

People empty their attics and set up stall on the street, selling anything you can imagine. Or they provide services (cakes and drinks, massage, make-up - anything they can turn their hand to). Children especially put on side-shows or have a go at busking.

Prices are low, and some people donate their earnings to a favourite charity. Nowadays, though, things are getting increasingly commercial with real traders and fast-food vendors joining in.

Where to go

Amsterdam is the focus of the celebrations and gets very crowded, especially along the main canals and city squares, with sometimes up to 3 million people in a city with a population of 750,000.

The Vondelpark is usually devoted to acts and stalls from children, while the Zeedijk (near Centraal Station) and Reguliersdwarsstraat, and a stretch along the Amstel River are given over to huge gay street parties.

My personal favourite spots are a little south of the centre, along Apollolaan, and in and around the Sarphatipark, where there is still something of the Queen's Day of yore (and as Apollolaan is in a posh area of town, quite some bargains to be had from the emptied attics).

Getting there

If you are in Amsterdam to celebrate Queen’s Day though, it is best to avoid arriving on the day itself, as the crowds make travelling around the city at best nightmarish, at worst, impossible.

A brief history of Queen’s Day

The Koninginnedag or Queen’s Day celebrations began as Princess Day on August 31 in 1885, the fifth birthday of Princess (later Queen) Wilhelmina. The name changed to Queen’s Day just five years later, when she ascended to the throne of the Netherlands. When Queen Wilhelmina was succeeded by her daughter Juliana, the celebrations shifted to the new Queen’s birthday, April 30. When her daughter Queen Beatrix ascended the throne of the Netherlands, she retained the April 30 celebrations in honor of her mother, which was great news for Queen’s Day revelers, as late April is time for sunshine, spring, tulips and all-round bonhomie in the Netherlands! In 2013, Queen Beatrix decided to abdicate in favor of her son, Prince Willem-Alexander, who continues in the tradition of having a spring birthday! King’s Day shall be observed on April 26th in 2014, and April 27th from there onwards, which means 2013 is the last big Queen’s Day party you can catch.

Practical Advice

Public transport within the city is not available on Queen’s Day, and most international trains are routed away from Amsterdam Central Station. If you’re planning a visit to Amsterdam at this time, make sure you work out logistics like bookings well in advance, and prepare yourself to walk or cycle for the entire day. If you’re uncomfortable around crowds and in noisy spaces, it might be a good idea to skip the festivities and stay indoors. If you’re up for a party, however, we can assure you it’ll be a day you will never forget!

* * *

Kicking Off the New Year in Amsterdam

New Year beckons and brings along with it the regalia of fun that has by now become a customary spectacle in Amsterdam... [click to read more]

Amsterdam is a major destination for New Year revelers. This guide is to help you prepare for and enjoy the occasion to the full.

On New Years Eve (NYE) the streets of Central Amsterdam are packed with people who are here to enjoy themselves. Fireworks abound, drink flows and the vast majority of people have a great time. Given the numbers however, it is often wise to plan in advance. Hotels, bars, restaurants and clubs are invariably packed. They charge premium prices and are often fully booked some time a head.

Many people are happy simply to hit the streets. The whole of Central Amsterdam becomes one big party zone. For the past few years, there was a major event at Museumplein. At the time of writing (Sep 13) I have not heard one way or the other if it this will also be the case this year. That aside, the biggest crowds will be found in and around the other city squares. In particular Nieuwmarkt and Dam Square it self.

Netherland' s pub

Here are some top tips:

- Book your accommodation well in advance. Prices may seem steep when you try to do this. Experience shows that rooms only get more scarce and expensive as the night itself approaches.

- Most decent restaurants will be booked well ahead of time. Many are closed. Don't expect to be able to call a day or two ahead and secure a table. The list of those that do open varies from year to year. Your Destination Experts simply cannot keep track of them. Google is your friend in this respect. Do your own research and make your own choice.

- Every bar in town will be packed. From around 7pm until the small hours expect it to be standing room only if you even manage to get into a bar. This is not the night to pop out for a quiet drink. Many bars will even charge for admission, this is usually around €20 per person.

- Young children should be kept well clear. Lots of people wielding fireworks, many of whom are the worse for wear. Will only serve to intimidate them. Besides, it simply isn't safe.

- You will not be able to walk into any club. They all run ticket only nights and usually get booked up long in advance. If clubbing is your thing, make plans and be prepared to pay top whack. This is a good blog that tells you about what Amsterdam is like around NYE.

- Almost all public transport in Central Amsterdam grinds to a halt early evening on the 31st. Given the crowds it simply isn't safe for the trams and busses to run. The metro network will run a restricted service as will the overland trains. See www.ns.nl for details.

- On New Years Day public transport will run a Sunday service. Many attractions and shops will be closed as will many restaurants, particularly at lunchtime.

- The only organised firework display in Central Amsterdam on NYE 2012 was at the Oosterdok . As with Museumplein, it is not clear if a repeat is planned for this year.That aside there are just lots of people going crazy and setting them off. The whole sky seems to be full of explsions of light for about an hour.

- It must be stressed again that Central Amsterdam is packed to bursting point on NYE. If you are uncomfortable with crowds or noise you'd do better to give it a miss.

- If you do come here for NYE, enjoy yourself and, above all, be safe!

" Happy New Year Amsterdam! "

These are only some of the spots where you could spend your New Year’s Eve. There are plenty more, but there’s only so many places you can head to in one night.

Here’s hoping you have lovely holidays and a smashing New Year’s Eve. In the way the Dutch say it, Proost!

* * *

Discovering Amsterdam: red light district

Introduction De Wallen. Rossebuurt. The centre of legalized prostitution. Call it whatever you like, the Red Light District is a landmark location in Amsterdam and ... [click to read more]

I've already written about one of Holland's well-known vices, the drug culture. There is of course another vice which the country is very well known for. Something that brings a particular kind of tourist to certain shady areas of the country, to indulge themselves in special ways. Yes, you've guessed it. I'm going to talk about windmills.

Alright. I'm not really going to talk about windmills. I'm going to talk about the sex industry in Holland. Holland has a very open view towards sex, and prostitution is legal and regulated in most cases. If you want to see just how open the Dutch view towards sex is (or you are on a stag night) you will find no better example than the Red Light District in Amsterdam. It is a network of alleyways containing hundreds of tiny one-room apartments where prostitutes wearing just underwear or bikinis offer their services from behind glass doors. It's also a place where you can find live sex shows, peep shows, sex museums and shops that sell the kind of toys you won't find in London's Hamleys. Amsterdam has the most well-known Red Light District but a lot of towns have their own versions as well. It's also not unusual to pass a sex shop in the main street of some towns.

If you come from a more reserved country, the red light district is the kind of place you have to see to believe. In some ways it is a tourist sightseeing attraction and that is why a lot of tourists go there for a game of Eye-Spy-Ho. Even my parents want to have a look around whenever they visit (at least that's what my dad tells my mum). I've seen other families walking around there too, to see if all the stories they have heard are true. However it is still a sex industry area and has its seedy side. You will often see men lined up outside prostitutes' doors waiting for their turn, and illegal stuff does still happen.

I had a look around a few days after I first arrived in the country (and I've only ever looked). It was a time when I still looked very much like an out of place tourist, so as I walked down one of the alleyways all I heard behind me was doors opening and calls of...

"Hello English boy. " "Over here, Ginger boy. " "Hi Redhead. "

... I just kept on walking.

When my friends come to visit from England they also want to do a bit of window shopping (even the girls), because, like everyone else, they cannot believe it until they see it with their own two eyes. This is how I ended up going to see one of the live sex shows. This might sound very seedy and in some ways it was, but in others it was quite an eye opener. I don't mean that I finally found out the true story of where babies come from that night. I mean I was surprised to find out the place was more hi-tech than some normal theatres I have worked for in the past. They even had a revolving stage and a lighting set-up which would make most bands envious. Not all the clientele were brown raincoat-wearing men either. Again there were a lot of tourists and couples who just wanted to see the show for the novelty/curiosity factor.

As for the performance itself? Yes, there really were two people on stage having sex and sometimes just a woman alone, with more of those toys that are not stocked by Hamleys. Some of the performers looked very bored as if they were following a script which they had done a thousand times before (which is probably just what it is like for them).

Part of the show was interactive as well. There was the woman who fed a banana to a member of the audience but she was not holding it with her hands or even her feet. There was a scary moment when she almost picked me and a friend out of the audience, but we sank very low into our seats at that point.

If you are ever in Amsterdam, the Red Light District is one of those places you have to see just so you can say you have seen it. However, don't take any photos unless you want a very angry prostitute trying to take your camera away (cameras are banned in the area).

* * *

Visiting Windmills while in Amsterdam

The Netherlands is synonymous for its windmills, clogs, tulips, canals, cheese markets… practically everything that you would expect to find in a charming and utterly picturesque country. But, whatever image you associate with the lowlands, the first thing likely to come to mind is the windmill (molen)... [click to read more]

​Windmills are an iconic part of the Dutch landscape, and a visit to one is a must for visitors to the Netherlands. And with eight windmills located in and around Amsterdam, windmill spotting is a great way to see the city.

Netherland Windmills

Celebrating windmills​Windmills (molens) were an integral part of Dutch life for centuries, employed for industrial purposes like milling grains or draining the lowlands of excess water. More than 10,000 windmills once dotted the Dutch landscape, and there are still 8 in Amsterdam.

Every year in mid-May, the country celebrates National Windmill Day when windmills throughout the Netherlands are decorated with flowers, figures of angels or Dutch flags, and doors are thrown open to visitors. Listed below is a sampling of windmills to visit in and around Amsterdam any time of year.

Netherland Windmills

De Otter is located in Amsterdam West and was built around 1631. It is the last remaining windmill of its kind in the city, as the other sawmills were dismantled by the early 1900s. As such, it is now considered a monument and is protected from being torn down or moved. Not open for visitors.

Riekermolen was built in 1636 and is located near Amstelpark. This mill and electric pumping-engine keep the garden city of Buitenveldert dry, covering a size of 515 hectare. Not open for visitors.

D'Admiraal windmill is located in Amsterdam-Noord and operated as a chalk and ash mill until shutting down in 1954. The windmill was restored in the '60s and still works occasionally to mill raw materials. Not open for visitors.

De Gooyer is bound to go down well with those fond of a tipple - Brouwerij 't IJ next door serves a range of traditional Dutch beers brewed on site. This is the tallest wooden windmill in the Netherlands and is a listed monument. Enjoy a cold beer with an up-close view on the sunny terrace. Not open for visitors.

Molen van Sloten is a reconstructed working mill from 1847 and the only mill open to visitors in Amsterdam. This tower mill works to drain water from lower-lying surroundings to keep the area dry. Guided tours are available and occasionally include the miller who shows visitors how the different parts function.

The Zaanse Schans is just a short trip from Amsterdam - about 15 minutes by train. This picturesque open-air "museum" is free of charge and boasts eight well-preserved windmills in one cluster. The windmills produced all sorts of items from paint to mustard to oil, and for a small fee, some of the windmills are open for visiting. Make a day of it and wander through the traditional houses, clog factories, or stop by the Windmill Museum, a 15-minute walk away.

* * *

Amsterdam canal cruises

​Reating visiting royals and other VIP's to a cruise on our canals became a tradition that lives on till today. From Winston Crurchill to the Beatles and Nelson Mandela, almost all our famous ... [click to read more]

​reating visiting royals and other VIP's to a cruise on our canals became a tradition that lives on till today. From Winston Crurchill to the Beatles and Nelson Mandela, almost all our famous guests have made their acquaintance with the city from the deck of a canal cruise boat.

No longer exclusive Royal privilege, canal cruises in Amsterdam are now the most popular tourist attraction in the country, with over 3 million passengers a year. For good reason, the city was built to be seen from that perspective.

Canal Cruise FleetToday, a diverse fleet of about 200 specialized vessels offer a waterborne variety of almost every form of service and entertainment that's available on shore.

In 2014, almost a quarter of all canal cruise boats are now electrically powered. Clean and silent, these boats are ideal for tourists who want to record their cruise on video. No engine noise or tremble will pollute their recordings. The green colored hotlinks on this page lead you to websites of the cruise companies that have electrically powered cruse boats in their fleet. Saloonboat Lieve deserves a special recommendation here. Not only was this boat equipped with electrical propulsion recently, Rederij Lieve also acquired a share in a windmill. This beautiful historical vessel has become the greenest canal cruise boat in Amsterdam waters.

Amsterdam Boats – Private canal cruisesAmsterdam Boats offers private canal cruises through the Unesco World Heritage city centre of Amsterdam. They have boats on offer that are built and equipped specifically for exclusive canal cruises (groups). . Offering a wide range of possibilities; from guided tours to dinner cruises, from 2 to 150 persons. Unique selling points that are well appreciated by their guests.www.amsterdam-boats.com

Sailing gourmet restaurantThe beautiful saloonboat ' Henry Schmitz' of Amsterdam Jewel Cruises is the only classic saloonboat in the fleet where a private table can be booked for a gourmet dinner à la carte. Your dinner will become a relaxed and romantic outing in the enchanting setting of the illuminated canals. Certainly the most tasteful way to move around Amsterdam!www.amsterdamjewelcruises.com

Amsteltoerist

New audio tourBlue Boat Company's boats have a unique Personal Audio System, which provide every guest with commentary in their own language. The fictional characters Ron & Nel, two typical Amsterdammers, guide your through their city in this new audio tour. They also have wheelchair access on all boats.www.blueboat.nl

Botafogo

Canal, by day and nightAn ideal transport along the canals during the day, passing all the highlights of Amsterdam, is the Canal Bus. You can hop on and hop off at the many stops whenever you wish and create your own sightseeing tour in Amsterdam. Buy your tickets online and get a 10% discount!

Canal has a very broad range of evening canal cruises. You can sip delicious cocktails, enjoy a luxurious four course dinner, treat your loved one to a romantic night out or eat your favourite pizza. But don’t forget to take in the surroundings as you cruise through the enchantingly lit canals.www.canal.nl

The Touristbus sightseeing tours in Amsterdam

The Touristbus tours in American school bus through Amsterdam are a simple and attractive way of getting general impression of The Old City centre. The guided tours depart ... [click to read more]

The Touristbus tours in American school bus through Amsterdam are a simple and attractive way of getting general impression of The Old City centre. The guided tours depart from Damrak 34, close to the Central Station and go through the most interesting spots in the city.

The red bus

The big red painted American school bus is a familiar view in Amsterdam. It unhurriedly moves on through the city centre. It has big windows and its roof has been replaced with glass. In summer the roof is left open, so you have a ride in a unique school bus convertible – with lots of fresh air, solid and simple interior, big windows as well as safe leisurely driving.

Amesterdam's red bus

The Tour

The tour takes 1 hour 45 minutes. It is guided via headphones empowered with a sophisticated GPS sensitive device, which exactly indicates your position in the city. The guide’s information is available in 15 languages.

The bus goes via the most interesting spots in the city as Central Station, the old Windmill and the Museum of the Tropics, Artis Zoo, old Jewish Quarter around Waterloo Square, Amstel River and the Skinny Bridge, the former Heineken brewery, the Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Flower Market and the Mint Tower, Jordaan Quarter with Westerkerk and Anne Frank House, Dam Square with the Royal Palace.

The tour makes a stop at Gassan Diamond factory. You may visit the diamond cutting and polishing quarters, you also get there a soda or a coffee. It is all included in the price of the Touristbus ticket.

Adults; € 15,-; kids (4-13 years of age) € 7,50.You may also purchase the ticket for the canal boat tour at the reduced price of € 7,50.Tickets are sold at Tours & Tickets or on-line, via the Touristbus website: www.touristbusamsterdam.comPlease inquire about special prices and a special tour route for groups up to 44 people (capacity of the bus).